Four-string bass tuning
A standard 4-string bass is tuned E1, A1, D2, G2, each a fourth apart. This page opens in that mode. The microphone hears the string and the readout shows how close you are, in cents.
Low notes are slower to speak. Pluck firmly once, then watch the needle rather than plucking again every second. A second pluck often hides the pitch you were adjusting.
Target notes at A4 = 440
Drop the reference to 432 if the rest of the band is using that. The note names stay E, A, D and G.
| String | Note | Hz at 440 |
|---|---|---|
| 4th, lowest | E1 | 41.20 |
| 3rd | A1 | 55.00 |
| 2nd | D2 | 73.42 |
| 1st | G2 | 98.00 |
Five-string and other tunings
A low B is not one of the four targets. Switch to Chromatic and tune that string to B0, or any other note you can name. The cents still tell you when you are there.
Drop tunings work the same way. Use chromatic mode, find the note you want, and centre the needle. Then check the other strings so the fourths still line up.
Getting a clean low note
Tune before you turn the amp up. A cabinet in the room will feed the mic a coloured version of the note. Unplugged, or with the phone close to the body of the bass, is easier.
If the tuner flips up an octave, it is hearing a harmonic. Pluck over the middle of the string, a little softer, and the fundamental comes back.